When the Golden State Warriors selected Eric Paschall with the 41st overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, nobody could’ve expected the season he would have in year one. The four-year Villanova product is quickly putting together a Rookie of the Year campaign almost two months into the NBA season.
Paschall is leading the Warriors in total points with 393 and second to All-Star D’Angelo Russell with 17.1 points per game. Paschall has led the Warriors in scoring on multiple occasions in the 2019 season, including a pair of 30-point nights.
Injuries have opened up an opportunity for Paschall, and he’s making the most of it. He’s currently second behind Glenn Robinson III in Warriors minutes played this season, and when he’s on the floor, Paschall has developed into one of Steve Kerr’s primary scoring options. His ability to continuously get to the basket and finish is reminiscent of a seasoned NBA veteran.
Paschall’s skill and numbers are suitable for the Warriors, yes. However, they also rank near the top in comparison to other rookies across the league. The Warriors rookie ranks first in total points and total rebounds (123) in the rookie ladder. Paschall only trails the 2019 second overall pick, Ja Morant (18.6), in rookie points per game this season.
Paschall’s rise from second-round pick to Rookie of the Year contender has caught the attention of the rating specialist’s with the video game, NBA 2K. The 6-foo-6 forward jumped from a 71 at the start of the season to currently an 80— the fifth-highest rating on the Warriors roster.
Paschall’s 80 only trails a four-pack of established NBA All-Stars, Stephen Curry (95), Klay Thompson (89), D’Angelo Russell (87) and Draymond Green (83). Yes, you read that correctly, the Warriors rookie, Paschall, is only three points behind the former Defensive Player of the Year, Green.
The “Paschanimal’s” rating is continuing to rise, a month ago he was grouped with 2K’s “rising stars” and moved to a 77, after starting the year at 71.
These rising ⭐'s are on their way up. Predict what they'll be by the end of the year using #2KRatings pic.twitter.com/6OOblfWEd9
— NBA 2K20 (@NBA2K) November 8, 2019
Now, as a significant piece to the Warriors offense, Paschall will have more opportunities to build his Rookie of the Year campaign while continuing to level up his 2K rating.